West Nile strengthens bid as Uganda’s Adventure Tourism Hub ahead of Race the Nile 2026
Organisers believe the event will not only attract international adventure enthusiasts but also stimulate local tourism, boost businesses and raise West Nile's profile as one of Uganda's emerging tourism destinations.
Zombo: West Nile is positioning itself as Uganda’s next major adventure tourism destination as preparations gather pace for Race the Nile 2026, the inaugural international self-supported cycling race scheduled for November 23–27, 2026.
The five-day endurance race will start and finish in Arua City, taking participants through a scenic route across Maracha, Koboko, Yumbe, Moyo, Adjumani, Obongi, Terego, Madi Okollo, Pakwach, Nebbi and Zombo districts before returning through Vurra.
Organisers say the event will showcase the region’s rich blend of natural attractions, cultural heritage and wilderness experiences while promoting West Nile as a premier destination for adventure tourism.
The campaign received a major boost following the official regional launch held in Arua City on Tuesday, where tourism stakeholders, cultural leaders and development partners pledged support for the international event.
Representing the Alur Kingdom (Jadipu), the Kingdom’s Minister of Tourism and Hospitality, Hon. Juliet Umika Oromcan, reaffirmed the kingdom’s commitment to the initiative.
“The event will present the beauty, culture and tourism assets of the mighty River Nile and West Nile region to the world for the first time,” Oromcan said.
The Chief Executive Officer of Race the Nile Cycling-Uganda Ultra and Senior Presidential Advisor on Tourism, Lilly Ajarova, thanked the Alur Kingdom and other partners for embracing the initiative.
She confirmed that the race route will traverse all districts of West Nile, including those within the Alur Kingdom, adding that the event has already attracted growing international interest from cyclists seeking authentic and challenging rural endurance experiences.
“Race the Nile is poised to establish West Nile as an emerging adventure tourism destination on the global map,” Ajarova said.
According to the organisers, hundreds of cyclists from Africa, Europe and other parts of the world are expected to participate in the maiden edition.
Ajarova said the event will make use of the region’s existing infrastructure to provide an authentic ultra-gravel cycling experience while generating extensive local, national and international media exposure.
A route assessment conducted in June 2026 identified numerous tourism attractions along the race corridor, including coffee farms offering experiential tours, the iconic Biku Chapel, Uganda’s smallest church, and several historical and cultural landmarks.
Among the attractions expected to feature during the race are Miriadua Falls in Arua and Maracha, Barifa Forest in Arua, Mountain Wati in Terego, Ajai Wildlife Reserve in Madi Okollo, the Alur Kingdom Palace in Zombo, Salia Musala in Moyo where Uganda, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo meet, Biku Chapel in Nebbi, and Wanglei in Pakwach, a historic site associated with the legendary separation of Luo brothers Nyipir and Labongo.
Organisers believe the event will not only attract international adventure enthusiasts but also stimulate local tourism, boost businesses and raise West Nile’s profile as one of Uganda’s emerging tourism destinations.
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